Dykstra Dash

Explorer I: Ready for flight

2013-02-28T12:53:00.003-05:00

Andrew 3rd grade science project was about something in space and he chose the Explorer I as his focus. He had to create a file card (type of report) & model and be able to present it to his class.

We were pretty proud of what we were able to do with some PVC pipe, duct tape, a funnel, and some wire (transmitting antennae). Still waiting to find out his grade.

Marking His Territory

2013-02-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

The same night I found Andrew with the stocking cap on, I also found a little artwork on AJ's sheets.

How I found him....

2013-01-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

The other night, this is how I found Andrew sleeping. No shirt, but a stocking cap. In bed. And he showered before bed, so his hair was awesome in the morning.

Pre-Season

2013-01-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

AJ wanted to work out so he can get strong to play in the NFL when he gets older, so he thought he needed to exercise one afternoon. (Please ignore the messy game closet in the background)

Pretty Shoes

2013-01-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

New Shoes for Mama! I love them and I'm excited when I get a chance to wear them.

Sentimental Sunday: Sweetest Voice Imaginable

2013-01-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

I’ve been blogging for over 8 years. That’s a lot of great and not so great moments documented. I main reason I blog is to remember these times… good and bad. “Sentimental Sunday”, is when I link back and remember posts I’ve written in the last several years.

Originally Posted September 6th, 2008 …"Can I nuggle you" ….

Speaking of Fish...

2013-01-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Remember when poor little AJ missed almost a whole week of school before Christmas because he was SO very sick? Well, it happened to be the same week that his teacher chose to "fish" him. This is where he get recognized in front of the whole school during an assembly.

I confess, I was a little frustrated that she chose to do it that week when he had already missed two days already. The flu was rampant and once kids were out, they were out for a week. So AJ (and I) missed his 'fishing'. I realize that the assembly is first thing in the morning and often attendance is not taken until the it's over, so if AJ had just missed that one day, I would understand more. It was a bummer, but I am super proud that she felt he was 'fish-worthy!'

Mrs. Teacher is fishing AJ. AJ has truly been a fantastic fish in our pond. AJ is always ready to learn and takes on every task with a positive attitude He is first to get his work out and show the class what a model student needs to do on a regular basis. He is very attentive listener and always has his hand up ready to share his ideas. Wow AJ, keep up the great work and continue to show excellence in our classroom.

Sentimental Sunday: So you better treat him right.

2013-01-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

New Addition: SharkBite

2013-01-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

AJ has been asking for a gold fish for quite a while now. Quiet a while. So for Christmas this year, we bought him fish food, blue rocks, and chlorine drops. You should have seen his awfully confused look when he opened the box of goods. The fish food wasn't labeled well and he had NO idea what he was opening.

Anyway, after a minute or two we told him it meant that we would head out in the next week and let him pick out a fish. We also talked him into a beta fish as they are prettier and seem a little more hardy that a gold fish. This excited him!

AJ chose to name him SharkBite. Which can hardly ever be said without also adding the "hoo ha ha" from Finding Nemo. So we have a new centerpeice on our table right now. I don't think that will be his permanent home, but right now he's new and exciting and get's lots of attention.

Slow Go....

2013-01-09T20:49:00.000-05:00

If you see me barely moving tomorrow, THIS is why. I've been taking a Cardio Sculpt class lately. Actually for the past two months. And you would think that my body would be getting used to working out and yet every time it's hard and every time I'm exhausted. Often, I'm sore the next couple days as well.

I keep thinking, it will get easier, but I chalk it up to a great instructor who does a good job of mixing things up.

Despite the complaining about my sore achy muscles, I am really enjoying this class. Plus I got some super cute workout clothes for Christmas.

However, today's class was a doozy. We used a step, a body bar, and the yoga mat....mostly the body bar. Oh. My. Word. We focused on our arms on Monday and I was still feeling it, so when we worked them hard again today... I was challenged.

Plus a news crew was in the gym today... I am guess they are doing a piece about working out in the New Year and resolutions, etc... And I just kept thinking, "Do not come in here, please, do NOT come in here!"

Let's just say, it's a good I thing showered immediately after the workout, because I am guessing I won't be able to lift my arms that high tomorrow.

Retiring the Pants

2013-01-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a safe New Years Eve and Day. Between my birthday and Christmas, I was blessed with a couple new pair of sweatpants.

"Someone" seemed to think the pair I was still wearing from high school, the ones with the elastic completely stretched out to the point where they would fall down while I was walking, needed to go. Actually, this "someone" thought they needed to go a LONG time ago, but I put up a fight because they were just so comfortable.

But finally, even I gave in and threw them away. Goodbye Wildcat sweats. You were well loved.

I was supposed to set the timer?

2012-12-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

Fortunately, we make 3 pizzas on pizza night and had two others to eat for dinner.

Questionable Cosby?

2012-12-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

We have started watching The Cosby show. I had forgotten how good it was and when reintroduced to it recently, I loved it all over again and thought the boys would too. We started recording it and watching it here and there.

So far the boys love it! However, the other day was an episode done on smoking. It was well done and just fine for my 6 and 8 year old. And of course, Mr. Huxtable handled the situations with perfect parenting skills.

A couple of days after watching that episode, AJ had his friend spend the night and while they were eating dinner, I offered that they could watch a Cosby. AJ came over very quietly and asked me, "Is the Cosby show appropriate for (insert friend's name)?"

I just laughed as I thought about my 6 year old being concerned about what's appropriate for another 6 year old. Plus... c'mon.. it's the Cosby show! But then, I soon caught AJ giving his buddy a very serious play by play of the smoking episode.

Ahhh... that's where the question came from.

To: Santa, not Dad

2012-12-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

Andrew made sure the cookies were eaten by the right man on Christmas Eve.

He then signed the note using the first initial of each of our names.

Merry Christmas!

2012-12-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Sentimental Sunday: Door on a Door

2012-12-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Originally Posted November 23rd, 2008 …"so everybody will know what our door looks like." ….

Mr Who?

2012-12-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

The other day, Andrew was walking around with his hoodie on. However, the hood was tucked inside the back of the jacket and it looked more like a sweater cardigan than a hoodie.

I mentioned he look like he was wearing a Mr. Roger sweater.

He responded, "Mr. Who? You mean Aaron Rogers?"

For those of you who may not know, Aaron Rogers is the quarterback for the Greenbay Packers.

Sigh.

Very Sick Little Boy

2012-12-21T09:00:00.004-05:00

So... twas the week before Christmas and all through the house, we are Lysol-ing and laundering the blankets and every available surface.

AJ is sick. Man, he is sick. Came home from school with a fever on Monday and hasn't been back. Poor little guy. It's been a rough couple days and it's still going. So we are doing everything in our power to help him get better and help us stay healthy.

Might be fighting a losing battle. As every mother knows..... when you're kid is miserable, hacking and sneezing left and right, and he just wants to be draped over you, snuggle next to you, or sleep in your bed.... there is only so much you can do.

He's missing out on all the fun week-before-break activities at school including his class Christmas party today. I don't think he's really realized it yet as I think he's lost track of time with all his days home, but I feel terrible for him. He was SO excited about it.

Honestly, I was really excited about today, too. I took the day off work. I rarely get to attend the boy's school parties or their field trips. So I intentionally took today off so I could be there for both boy's parties AND have time in between them to do some much needed tasks before Christmas and family comes to visit. Things like errands, shopping, sitting in a coffee shop drinking my free birthday coffee, working out (which I haven't been able to do AT ALL this week), meet my hubby for lunch... another thing I never get to do, despite him asking regularly.

Ok, I was SUPER excited for today. So the mom in me feels terrible for my AJ and how miserable he feels. The very selfish side of me is really disappointed that instead of my plans... I'm home washing, washing, washing.

But that's the way it goes. It's part of being a mom and since that's the best job in the whole world, I'll take these days along with the mostly good days. I have my 6 year old to hold and snuggle and get me sick and that's not something to take for granted this Christmas.

Dykstra Family 2012

2012-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

We all gathered together for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and to celebrate Mom's upcoming retirement.

It was so great to see everyone and watch the cousins play as if they see each other every day.

Free toys for sale!

2012-12-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

AJ packed up a few of his old toys in a box and asked to out them down by the curb with this sign.

(he's seen his mom & dad get rid of a few things that way)

Trust

2012-12-17T08:38:00.001-05:00

Resting in His shadow today and prayerfully placing my children there too.

Ps 91 "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Thanks Sue.

Sentimental Sunday: Mission Accomplished (Might be the cutest video ever!)

2012-12-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Originally Posted December 20th, 2007 (Link Fixed)

See how AJ even hugs and kisses them? (please click through - it will make your heart melt!)

Thirty-Something...

2012-12-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a somber day here in light of this.

However it is my Birthday today.

Does it mean I'm old if I want a pan of enchiladas from our local mexican restaurant over a birthday cake? Just stick a couple candles it and I'd be a happy girl.

...unless it's a mint chocolate chip ice cream cake.

Giving these boys an education

2012-12-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Marc decided it was time the boys learned the game RISK. If they manage to not knock the board over between their celebration jumps when they take an army, it will be a miracle. It's also quite a test of their "teacher's " patience. Might be an annual game only. We'll see.

Oh Christmas Tree

2012-12-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Check out our Christmas Tree story here!